Tides and fishing

The Bigouden seaside is a sensitive natural area that needs to be protected. The French tradition of gathering shellfish at low tide is a fun and accessible activity, but can have an impact on resources and the environment if the rules of good conduct are not followed. Here is a brief summary of the rules of good conduct.

Published on 2 May 2025

The foreshore, a sensitive area

Life on the coast is punctuated by the tides. Twice a day, a strip of coastline is uncovered, and this area is known as the foreshore. This tidal zone, made up of sand, seaweed and pebbles, is home to an ecosystem where life obeys very specific laws.

Shellfish gathering – or pêche à pied in French – requires an interest in this fascinating world on the border between land and sea.

The small inhabitants of the foreshore have great powers, such as the ability to live both in and out of the water, but they are fragile and their resources are limited.

Before you leave fishing on foot

Checking the tides

Check the tide times for the day by clicking here.

Also check the tidal range: this will tell you whether the tide of the day is high or low, the tidal range being the difference in level between high and low tide. It can vary a lot in this area.

For information on weather conditions and any current weather warnings, visit the WindCornouaille website.

I protect myself

Never leave home without a mobile phone with the emergency number 196 recorded. Wear bright, colourful clothing so that you can be spotted easily. Let your friends and family know that you are leaving and where you will be fishing.

Don’t forget to protect yourself from the sun, which is stronger on the foreshore!

Find out about the regulations

Click here to check the regulations and the guide to catch sizes.

Restrictions and closures may occur in the event of pollution or other incidents.

You can also get information from the local population, the tourist office, maritime affairs and the prefecture.

Using a ruler

Rulers indicating the size of specimens to be respected are available from our tourist offices and partners.

You can also consult information on the main species and authorised practices on the leisure fishing website by clicking here.

On site

Fish delicately and respectfully by putting the pebbles back in their exact place.
Marvel at the diversity of species and have fun recognising them using the Bernic&Clic application.
Recreational fishing is limited to personal consumption: take only what you will eat.
Make sure you respect the sizes and quotas, sort your catch on the spot and return anything you don’t want to keep to the water straight away.

Please note:

Gathering shellfish, line-fishing, underwater fishing, using a net or a trap, from the shore or at sea all have their own regulations, and checks are regularly carried out by the Maritime Affairs authorities. Infringements are liable to heavy penalties. So, to avoid any problems and avoid killing for nothing, throw back any specimens smaller than the minimum size. As well as avoiding a fine, you will be acting intelligently and sensibly by allowing the population to grow and reproduce, so that the cycle of life can continue.

Responsible fishing

High tides, high caution!

Let us guide you

Fishing, like any other pastime, has its rules, its know-how, its knowledge and its equipment. To make sure you’re practising the sport correctly and to get to know the flora and fauna of the coast better, enlist the help of a guide. Professionals and enlightened amateurs are on hand to help you discover.